Rideshare legislation passes with overwhelming support

Today House Bill 221, sponsored by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) and Representative Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater) passed the Florida Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan support following the unanimous passage of the bill last week in the House of Representatives. The legislation establishes a statewide set of standards governing and authorizing ridesharing services and transportation network companies.

“Today we sent a strong message that Florida embraces transportation innovation,” stated Senator Brandes. “The future of transportation options includes a focus on shared mobility, and as we move closer to autonomous vehicles on our roadways, the future of ridesharing is very bright. With this legislation Florida will have a uniform set of standards for the services our businesses demand, our tourists have come to expect, and our residents deserve.”

"The overwhelmingly bi-partisan passage of ridesharing legislation in both the House and Senate shows a strong desire for this innovative and free-market service. It not only provides convenient travel options for anyone in our state, it will allow many Floridians an extra source of income to help make ends meet,” said Representative Sprowls. "I appreciate the hard work that Senator Brandes put into passing this bill in the Senate and look forward to Floridians having this travel option should they choose it.”

The bill establishes the regulatory framework for the operation of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) in Florida. SB 340 and HB 221 establish minimum insurance requirements for TNCs, require thorough background screening standards for TNC drivers, and include consumer protection provisions that strengthen the community of riders and drivers in Florida. In addition, the bill provides regulatory certainty for TNC services in Florida by replacing a patchwork of conflicting local regulations with a unified statewide framework. The legislation provides for a robust, independent review of TNCs in this state to ensure compliance with the law and to protect Florida riders. When the bill is signed by the Governor, Florida will join more than 30 other states that have adopted rideshare laws.